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Published on: January 3, 2018
Laser beam projection with adaptive array of fiber collimators. I. Basic considerations for analysis
Mikhail A Vorontsov1, Svetlana L Lachinova
1Intelligent Optics Laboratory, Computational and Information Sciences Directorate, U.S. Army Research Laboratory, Adelphi, MD 20783, USA. mvorontsov@arl.army.mil
Summary
We developed a mathematical model to analyze conformal optical systems using adaptive fiber collimators. The study compares incoherent and coherent beam director architectures, evaluating key factors affecting laser beam projection efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Laser Systems Engineering
- Mathematical Modeling
Background:
- Adaptive optics systems are crucial for precise laser beam control.
- Conformal optical systems offer a novel architecture for beam direction.
- Understanding performance limitations is key for developing advanced optical systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a mathematical model for analyzing conformal optical systems.
- To compare the performance of incoherent and coherent conformal beam director architectures.
- To evaluate the impact of system characteristics on laser beam projection efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Development of a mathematical model for conformal optical systems.
- Analytical evaluation of system performance.
- Numerical simulations to assess the effect of key parameters.
Main Results:
- Performance comparison between incoherent and coherent conformal beam director systems.
- Quantification of the influence of the number of fiber collimators.
- Analysis of the impact of subaperture and conformal aperture fill factors.
- Assessment of beamlet pointing accuracy effects on projection efficiency.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a framework for understanding and optimizing conformal optical systems.
- Key design parameters significantly influence the efficiency of laser beam projection.
- Both analytical and simulation methods confirm the findings on system performance.
